Volume 5—Issue 3
November 2009
PHOTOSPREAD
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Above; Students Erin Cicote, Claire Fadel, Kimie Leach, Molly Sweeny and Caitlin Zera with the Diversity Conference Speaker, Brryan Jackson.
Girls all around UA!
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Above: Creatively decorated bags by girls in Mrs. Owen’s advisement.
Left: Nicole Yanko, Allie Renz, Brooke Messmer and Megan Shimmit show off their decorated gift bags for kids who need presents.
Below: Laura King, Carolyn Plurad and Andrea Hock at the Art Club crocheting workshop.
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Below: The Art Club meeting with crocheting workshop with Audrey Cova, Josie Reggari, Mrs. Scheumbauer and Lexi Linsenmen.
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Environmental Club Update The Environmental Club has been busy lately, either planning something new or helping out in the cafeteria. They keep the campus looking beautiful by maintaining the gardens. The club is currently planning EARTH week which is during the week of April 18, 2010. Each day of the week will have a different theme to get people involved while still having fun. More information on EARTH Week will follow in second semester. On top of EARTH Week, the club, which consists of about fifteen people, is working on a project, the Capri sun brigade. When they recycle your Capri sun pouches, the Environmental Club, in return for each pouch, receives two cents. The recycled pouches get turned into fashionable totes, bags, pencil cases and
more. With all of these projects going on, the club could always use more members. Why join? The meetings are fun and could range from getting together to watch a movie to planning new events. Maddie Klump, a freshman, said, “At the meetings we discuss some of the things that are coming up that we would like to plan or raise awareness for. Also, if someone brings in an article or a new product that has to do with ecology, she can share or talk about it. The environmental club is a lot of fun, and it's a really great way to get involved and meet new people, too! GO GREEN!!” They meet the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. People with further questions can contact Mrs. Herbst, moderator, or Caitlin Zera, president.
Photos by: Caitlin Zera
Environmental Club members help paint recycling cans for around the school.
Maggie Eggleston Bear Facts Staff Writer
Students Behind Bah Humbug! Play Each year at Ursuline, Mrs. Shea, Ms. Albus and many students from UrsuPhoto: Ally Hill line and students from other schools put on a play for everyone to enjoy. However, it’s not as easy as it sounds. There is a lot of hard work as well as diligence from many people that goes into the play. The people on stage aren’t the only ones who put effort into the play. There are many behind-the-scenes workers as well. This year, the winter play at Ursuline was Bah, Humbug! A Christmas Carol! All of the cast and crew in the play practiced since September 14. Most of the practices were about two hours. The schedules changed from week to week, but, as the VOLUME
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play approached, the cast and crew practiced every day. Lisa Bueltman, a stage manager behind-the-scenes, stated, “I have to know the entire play. Instead of memorizing my own lines, I have to know everyone else’s lines. That way I know when I need to pull the curtains.” When talking about the students who work in the play, Mrs. Shea said, "The stage crew has been a real team this year, working behind-the-scenes. With positive attitudes and smiles, they make themselves available to do whatever is needed to assist the director, stage manager and cast." Lexi Warner, a cast member in Bah, Humbug! A Christmas Carol! noted, “This is my first play at UA, and it’s such a great experience. I love my character, and it’s a great atmosphere. It’s hard work, but in the end it’s worth it.” The nights of the show included November 20, November 21 and No-
vember 22. Whether it was working on stage or behind-the-scenes, there were many people who needed to be congratulated for their efforts and exertion for the play in order to have made it a memorable experience here at Ursuline. The cast and crew loved everyone who came see them as they performed. As Lexi Warner stated, “It’s a great show, and I’m sure you all enjoyed it!” Kailey Beckett Bear Facts Staff Writer
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HOPE IS VITAL: BRRYAN JACKSON SPEAKS OUT “IGNORANCE IS A WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION.”
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October 28, the Diversity Team hosted their annual city-wide diversity conference. They invited Brryan Jackson, an eighteen-year-old native St. Louisan, to speak on behalf of his organization Hope is Vital. Brryan Jackson is a passionate individual. He recently graduated from Francis Howell North High School at which he was known as an enthusiastic cheerleader (his sister dared him to try out), a fierce friend, a loving brother and a genuinely kind person. Anyone who meets Brryan instantly wants to be a part of his “club.” His energetic attitude sets a positive atmosphere for his friends with fun jokes or serious heartto-hearts. Brryan’s personality immediately makes new acquaintances feel as if they had known each other their entire lives. But underneath it all, Brryan is an eighteen-year-old living with AIDS.
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As an infant, Brryan’s father injected him with blood containing the HIV virus. This was an attempt to escape child support for he believed Brryan was not his biological son. By 1997 the HIV virus had developed into AIDS. The doctors gave him a year to live; however, he surpassed all odds and grew into his teens. As a boy, Brryan attended a normal elementary school, but it was not normal for him at all. In an effort to get Brryan into a local public school, his mother had to fight for him because the school board was concerned he would spread the AIDS virus. At school Brryan was unable to use the public drinking fountain or play sports. This led Brryan’s classmates to ostracize him. They left him out of everyday activities, and Brryan was isolated much of his childhood; he even admits to having imaginary friends to nurse the loneliness. Eventually in the eighth grade, after many unjust limitations, Brryan was asked to leave school. This was a prime example of the school’s ignorance about Brryan’s disease. Today Brryan believes and says, “Ignorance is a weapon of mass destruction.” Throughout Brryan’s life, ignorance has affected his relationships and everyday tasks in ways one cannot imagine. People often associate AIDS with the stereotypes of homosexuals or drug addicts and treat Brryan differently. In order to promote awareness and to eliminate these stigmas of HIV/ AIDS, Brryan has founded the nonprofit organization Hope is Vital (an acronym for HIV). Through his organization, Brryan has spread his story and traveled the country. He has also helped children cope with AIDS in his summer camps in California. Eventually, Brryan and his friends hope to host a large concert benefiting Hope is Vital.
Brryan’s work has taken a huge turn with recognition from TEEN NICK. They are hosting the Halo Awards on December 11, which honor teenagers like Brryan who make a difference in our world. Look for Brryan in their new preview for the awards! Brryan is making the world a better place; yet, he still has his bad days. He finds it hard to get out of bed some days and takes a minimum of five pills a day in addition to his regular visits to the doctor. When he’s feeling down, Brryan turns to God for help. God has been with Brryan from his diagnosis, due to his mother’s strong religious views. He credits his strength in fighting AIDS and spreading his Hope is Vital work to God. If you would like to contact Brryan, feel free to Facebook him or look him up on Twitter. Claire Fadel and Molly Sweeny Bear Facts Write & Co-Editor in Chief
Photo by: Clair Fadel BEAR
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NEWs & E D I T O R I A L
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Horrible Customer Service from both Apple and Dell tween departments, I finally became People battle over which company is fed up with this and took it to my better: Apple or Dell. I am the proud owner of a Dell laptop and an iPod. friend. He fixed it under half an hour. Both have had problems in the past My iPod no longer plays anything from the left that required my calling customer service. I can “Why do they assume that because my s p e a k e r / earpiece. now confidently say that product is broken I am an idiot?” The first neither is better. thing I was I pay extra for customer asked when I brought it into the Apservice for my laptop. Shouldn’t that ensure that when my laptop breaks, I ple store was, “Did you try a different could reach someone who can fix it? pair of earphones?” Why do they assume that because my product is Apparently not, as I spent over four broken, I am an idiot? The store tells me to call up the national hotline after hours on the phone giving me advice. The hotline tells me with someone something completely different. The whose first language problem? The earphones broke the was obviously not iPod. It seems that you’re not supEnglish. After a posed to wrap the earphones around referral battle be-
the iPod. Companies that pride themselves on their customer service should focus on it. They need to focus on the customer’s problem and not just give generic advice. From my experience, I can say Images from http:// images.google.com/images? that some of them really should learn how a computer works before they begin telling others how to fix them. These companies should focus on the individual and stop counting their money. Only then will they actually help people.
Ann Slesinski Bear Facts Staff Reporter
Public Reactions to H1N1 Breakout and Vaccine Distribution
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he students around Ursuline have heard “I might have swine flu!” and “She’s not at school, so she must have swine flu!” plus “O.M.G! I have a cough! I could have swine flu!” Stop! Although the media has told everyone to watch out for swine flu, it’s not as bad as it looks. The media, like the Today Show or NBC Nightly News, has told the public that they predicted over 30,000 to 90,000 deaths; however, now they have said that their predictions are likely much lower, according to msnbc.com. Even though those numbers do sound scary, people forget that over 250,000 to 500,000 people die every year of the regular flu. Now, if a person does have the swine flu, the symptoms are likely to be fever, shaking chills, cough, sore throat, vomiting, body aches, headache and extreme tiredness. All a person can really do is stay home and treat the symptoms and stay clear of infants and the elderly because they have a weaker immune system causing them to have a worse case of the swine flu, making them more likely to die from it. There are, however, some other people besides the elderly and
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infants who really need to be careful. According to Dr. Santiago ‘Bo’ Plurad, who is in a private practice with St. John’s Mercy of St. Louis, those with a preexisting condition, such as bad asthma or a heart problem, should be the first to get the H1N1 vaccine. They are more likely to get an extremely severe or even fatal case of the swine flu. There are those who are against the H1N1 vaccine. According to cnnhealth.com, the most common reasons stated by those who are not for the vaccine are (1) they don’t think the new vaccine has been studied enough, and therefore, do not believe it is 100% safe, and (2) they are afraid the substances in the vaccine are not 100% safe either. However, thousands of people have gotten the vaccine, and no one has died from it. The side effects of the vaccine are as common and mild as the regular flu vaccine. People should know that having an extremely serious side effect is a one in a million chance. As for the other reason someone does not want to be vaccinated, there is an extremely small dose of thimerosal, a mercury preservative, in the vaccine. However, there is no proof in any study that
the amount of thimerosal that is in the vaccine is harmful to anyone. But it’s really up to the person if she wants to get the swine flu vaccine or not. Although some people have overblown the swine flu problem, there are those who overlook the swine flu. Another reason people decide not to get the vaccine is that they think they will not get the swine flu, according to cnnhealth.com. Those who think they will not get the swine flu need to know that no one is immune to any disease. Just as no one is immune to a cold, no one is immune to the swine flu. There are many reasons people are for or against the swine flu vaccine. Although it seems like the most logical choice to get the vaccine, it’s a person’s own choice if she thinks she should get the vaccine or not. People shouldn’t overreact about the disease, but they also shouldn’t overlook it either. The swine flu is just another disease that people need to keep an eye out for, but they shouldn’t be terrified of it. Margie Plurad Bear Facts Staff Reporter BEAR
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POL ITICS
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President Obama’s First Year In Office
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his time last year Americans were in a frenzy due to presidential elections. The close race between Senator John McCain and Senator Barak Obama came out with Obama on top, making him the 44th President of the United States of America. Obama’s inauguration took place on January 20, 2009. Since then he has faced many issues, including the economy, healthcare reform, rising unemployment rates and the wars in the Middle East. This mimics the gallup.com poll results of most important issues to Americans.
“In November of 2008 54% of Americans believed that President Obama would be able to fix the economic state of our nation.” First and foremost, the economy has been the greatest struggle in America recently. Due to the struggling economy, Obama, like George Bush before him, wanted to pass a bill that would stimulate the economy. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 became the centerpiece of his first few months in office and was signed on February 13. This act’s purpose was to “create new jobs as well as save existing ones, spur economic activity and invest in long-term economic VOLUME
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growth, and foster unprecedented levels of accountability and transparency in government spending,” according to www.recovery.gov. The Congressional Budget Office, reported washtingtonpost.com, said this stimulus package will actually do more harm than good in the long run though short term effects may be seen. However, short term effects remain to be seen as the unemployment rate has reached 10.2%, the highest it has been since 1983, according to the Department of Labor. Health care, one of Obama’s domestic priorities, is on the minds of many Americans. Obama’s proposal is to create a government-sponsored health insurance option. Director of the Congressional Budget Office Doug Elmendorf estimated that this bill is going to cost over $829 billion over the course of 10 years and will create a 94% rate of Americans insured, as reported by www.CBO.gov. Some controversy is aroused by this bill. According to CNN.com, the American Medical Association and many Republicans are worried that, as the price of insurance does drop, so will the quality. The Health Care bill has moved to the Senate and is awaiting a vote. When Obama took office, the relationship between America and other countries wasn’t in good shape. Throughout his campaign Obama talked of bettering the foreign policy of America since it was in such ruin from Bush’s presidency. Within days of his inauguration, Obama signed an executive order to close Guantanamo Bay. Guantanamo Bay is a prison in which America places suspected terrorists. Other than this, Obama has been dealing with an ongoing war in Afghanistan.
President Obama in the Oval Office President Obama with Brazilian President Lula da Silva Photos: whitehouse.gov Obama and his advisers have been trying to determine whether or not to deploy more troops. Whether or not Obama’s presidency will bring America back on top is unknown, but through his first year in office we are able to see the change of people’s views on his leadership. Gallup.com reports to us that in November of 2008 54% of Americans believed that President Obama would be able to fix the economic state of our nation. This poll was taken again in October of 2009, and the percentage dropped down to 28% of Americans. The population seems to be in doubt of his ability to be the “change we can believe in.” Source: http://www.gallup.com Cinnamon Mullins Bear Facts Staff Writer
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Recent Elections in St. Louis County
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ust a year after the sweeping election of Barack Obama as the first African-American President of the United States, voter turnout dropped to less than 20% for the November 3, 2009, election in Saint Louis County, a clear sign of voter apathy or lost interest in government. St. Louis County had two major legislative items on the ballot: Proposition E-911 and Proposition N. Proposition E-911 would increase sales taxes by $0.01 for every $10.00 spent in St. Louis County. It is estimated to raise about $16 million per year. Officials plan to use the revenues to replace aging equipment, establish a line of communi- cations be-
“Proposition N passed with just over 65% of the vote.” Statistic from Revenue.stlouisco.com
tween first responders, and allow law enforcement officials to locate 911 callers who call using their cell phones. KMOV.com reported on its website on October 22, 2009, “that dozens of mayors, police officers, and firefighters from St. Louis County support the proposed tax increase.” St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch described the E-911 system as a matter of public safety. Proposition E-911 passed with just over 68% of the vote. Proposition N is the smoking ban in St. Louis County. County officials sought to limit the ability of private business to allow smoking in their public facilities. There were some exemptions to this legislation to include bars that receive less than 25% of their gross revenues from the sale of food and casinos. Proposition N passed with just over 65% of the vote, according to Revenue.stlouisco.com. In local elections, voters in VOLUME
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Kirkwood passed Proposition 1, prohibition of smoking, with just over 65% of the vote. Proposition 1 is very similar to Proposition N in St. Louis County. Lindbergh R-VIII school district passed Proposition L, an operating levy (an operating levy is used to fund the general operations of the taxing authority) issue, with just over 65% of the vote. Valley Park voters passed Proposition 1, a license tax on billboards, with just over 69% of the vote. The only piece of legislation that went down to defeat was in Velda Village Hills where voters rejected Proposition 1, a gross receipts tax on utilities, which is the tax cities charge customers for their use of utilities, with just over 61% of the voters voting against it. On a national level the Huntington Post, a liberal magazine, reported, “Independents who swept Barack Obama to a historic 2008 victory broke big for republicans on Tuesday as the Grand Old Party (GOP) wrestled political control from Democrats in Virginia and New Jersey, a troubling sign for the president and his party heading into an important midterm election year.” As many UA students approach the age of 18, individuals have to realize that each vote does count. With just twenty percent of voters turning out, sometimes just a few voters make a difference. Not every election is decided by such a wide range of votes. In the past presidential election in the State of Missouri, John McCain earned 49.43% of the vote while Barack Obama earned 49.29% of the vote. Rock the vote, ladies. Brooke Messmer Bear Facts Staff Writer
Photograph: www.mogasp.wordpress.com
St. Louis Votes on Smoking Ban On November 3, the smoking ban in St. Louis and St. Louis County passed. It won with 65% of the vote. The law will take effect in January, 2011. Many public bars and restaurants will be affected by this because smokers will not be allowed to smoke. The ban exempts casinos, some hotel rooms, private clubs and tobacco stores throughout St. Louis. Some small bars in the city will be allowed to wait five years before complying with the ban. Mayor Francis Slay said, “It’s a public health issue,” according to a report on the St. Louis County Smoking Ban on KSDK.com. Smoking causes lung cancer and pollutes the air. Secondhand smoke can lead to health problems in nonsmokers. Illinois has smoking laws similar to St. Louis that took effect on January 1, 2008. People are not allowed to smoke in restaurants, bars, indoor buildings and many other public places. Many UA students have mixed views about this law. Abby Stewart, sophomore, said she likes having the smoking law, but she thinks the government shouldn’t control smoking. Emily Mulligan, junior, said that the bars might lose customers and business, but having the smoking ban would make St. Louis’ air cleaner and healthier. Sarah Haenchen Bear Facts Staff Writer BEAR
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The Rise and Fall of the Berlin Wall
This November marked the 20-year anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Constructed in 1961, the Berlin Wall surrounded the western portion of Berlin, Germany. The structure, which evolved from wire to solid concrete, separated West Berlin and East Berlin. The controversy in Germany first began at the end of World War II in 1945. The United States, Britain, France and the Soviet Union had won the war and divided Berlin into four "zones," each controlled by one of the countries. The U.S., British and French zones became democratic, but the Soviet zone became a communist dictatorship, arousing debate between the countries over how to govern Berlin. The Soviet Union blockaded routes in and out of East Berlin, leading the two divisions of Berlin to form their own governments. Shortly after, East Berlin began to suffer poverty, so over 3 million people left for a better life in West Ber-
lin. By 1961 the communist government became angry and felt it was time to stop the mass migration. On August 13, 1961, a barbed wire fence was strung between East Berlin and West Berlin. Many other countries had built walls like this before, such as the Great Wall of China. The Berlin Wall, on the other hand, was not constructed to keep enemies out: its purpose was to trap people in. It tore families apart and kept many people from getting to their jobs. Nevertheless, even after the wall was built, people in East Berlin did not stop trying to escape. Over 10,000 East Berliners used their creativity to flee, and 5,000 did so successfully, according to www.newseum.org. Fortunately, East Berlin was bankrupt by 1980, and the Soviet Union was no longer able to afford the prolonged Cold War with the United States. In the meantime, the citizens of
Eastern Europe began to test their boundaries, arguing that they deserved freedom of expression and travel. Due to numerous protests, the citizens of Germany convinced the government to allow them those basic freedoms. Therefore, after many years of miserable lifestyles for the citizens on either side of the wall, the Berlin wall fell on November 9, 1989. This allowed the East Germans and West Germans to cross paths (legally) for the first time in 28 years. For the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall demolition, a series of events took place in Berlin. Celebrations also took place in the individual homes and hearts of the German citizens, commemorating the day their nation was reunited after 28 years of turmoil. Kelli Riddle Bear Facts Staff Reporter
The Truth About Terrorists
The recent shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, killed thirteen people and wounded dozens. The gunman, Major Nidal Malik Hasan, practices Islam and is currently under investigation in order to discover any association between him and terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda, according to http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ us_fort_hood_shooting. It is true that he should not be excused for the devastating shooting, but it is important for Americans to realize the difference between radical Muslim groups and the true followers of Islam. Because of terrorist/radical groups associating themselves with the Muslim title, Americans tend to stereotype all Muslims. Any time the word “Muslim” or “Islam” comes up, a negative connotation is immediately implied, and this needs to be corrected. Here is a list of the top three misconceptions about Islam and its followers based on an interview with American businessman and Muslim, Mr. Bill Hatraf, and information from www.jannah.org. Myth #1. “All Muslims are violent extremists who want to control the world.” The true basis of Islam consists of peace and freedom for VOLUME
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all religions and races. When Mr. Hatraf was asked what the most common misconception about the Islamic faith is, he answered, “that we want to convert the world to Islam and we’re all extremist and violent.” Corrupt governments in the Middle East use the Islamic faith as an excuse for their dictatorship and murder. Myth #2. “Muslims are disrespectful to women.” Many people have the image of veiled women, forced into a life of housework and silence. This, however, is all too often the result of laws made by corrupt leaders and does not reflect the belief of the Muslim faith. The Koran (a book much like the Christian Bible) states that women are individuals with rights and that marriage cannot be forced. It is strictly against the Islamic faith to show violence towards women. Myth #3. “Muslims worship a different God than Christians.” The word “Allah” used by Muslims means “God.” They worship the same God just as Christians do. In fact, there are many similarities between Christians and Muslims, including the story of the
creation of the first man and woman. The Islamic faith is just one of the many religions in the world, but, because of terrorists and corrupt governments calling themselves “Muslims,” prejudices have formed. Many followers of the true Islamic faith are extremely angry at the radicals. “They speak for themselves only. They have no right to speak for the rest of the Muslim world. 95% of the Muslim world does not believe in their murderous methods.” Mr. Hatraf’s statement speaks for the millions of American Muslims who are dedicated to and love America. Being able to see past stereotypes and labels on Muslims will be the first step in breaking prejudices and being a unified nation. Bill Hatraf’s wise words ring true: “Knowledge is power.” Amy Coyle Bear Facts Staff Reporter
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ENTERTA INMENT
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Are You . . .
The St. Louis International Film Festival
A Farmville Addict?
Celebrates the Best of Foreign, Art House, and St. Louis Film On November 12, Cinema St. Louis celebrated the first day of the 18th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival. Cinema St. Louis,
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f you are a member of the popular internet site Facebook, then you’ve probably been invited to join the application called Farmville or know someone who is obsessed with it. For those of you who do not have a Facebook page, Farmville is a farming game made by the company Zynga. It has 63.7 million users and has recently become the most popular game application offered on Facebook. Farmville is a virtual farm where the players’ goal is to take care of their farm by planting and harvesting crops and trees along with taking care of animals. Many Facebook members have become obsessed and even addicted to this farming application. With 37 different levels it’s easy to see why people start becoming a Farmville addict; it’s hard to stop once you’ve started. Farmville is so popular that it has even taken over Ursuline. You may hear girls in the café talking about how they needed to “check their crops” or “take care of their livestock.” Not only are the Ursuline girls crazy for Farmville, some teachers are, too. Math teacher Mrs. Elking is even on level 20! “It’s like playing monopoly only it’s with a farm, and you’re on the computer,” Elking explained. “Farmville is good for learning how to manage money, and it’s very competitive,” Elking raved. She even has a game plan to prove it. “I’m making my farm simple for now so I can save up my money, but once I save up enough money I’m going to make it cute.” She laughed. Don’t worry if you’re annoyed with all the talk about Farmville because eventually this Farmville craze will fade, and a new Facebook application will take its place. So whether its Farmville or the next best thing, try not to get too attached, and the important thing is to remember that it’s just a game. Emily Boyer Bear Facts Staff Writer VOLUME
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the organization behind the St. Louis International Film Festival, has been busy for months preparing for the Festival, not only in choosing the official movie selections from hundreds of submissions but also in arranging screenings, booking filmmakers for special events and coordinating an incredible amount of Festival volunteers. The Festival spanned the two week period from Thursday November 12 to Sunday November 22. Spread out among six different St. Louis theater venues, the St. Louis International Film Festival showcased over 260 films this year. The Tivoli, Hi-Pointe, St. Louis Art Museum, Plaza Frontenac, Brown Hall and Webster University each hosted a variety of different showings and events. The Festival included the anticipated film Up in the Air which caught the attention of nearly every St. Louisan when the movie's star George Clooney and crew came to film several scenes at Lambert Airport. Other films making the Festival circuit were the heartwrenching Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire and Kirk Jones’s Everybody's Fine. Other world cinema features included the young love romance Ciao Bella and the French animated film Princess of the Sun. While narrative films draw big audience interest, there were also groundbreaking documentaries and thought-provoking short films featured in the Festival line-up. The documentary category boasted Burma VJ, a journalistic look inside Burma-Myanmar's political turmoil, and Tapped, a relevant film about the hazards of plastic water bottling. Cinema St. Louis Operations Supervisor, Brian Spath, who handles the submissions of short films, received 700 short films which he and a small panel of others reviewed for the St. Louis International Film Festival selection. Diversity in the short film section of the Festival is just as important as
variety in the Festival’s documentary and narrative categories. “We try to have a mix of different genres in short film,” Spath said in an interview. “But we always have animated films because people like to watch them.” A complete list of all the films showcased as well as the Festival schedule was posted online at cinemastlouis.org. Last year's St. Louis International Film Festival saw the largest turnout in years. Spath noted that in spite of the 2008 economic downturn, the festival saw some of its greatest numbers last year. "Festival tickets are generally ten dollars, which is only a couple dollars more than a regular movie ticket," Spath said. "But it's cheaper than going to see the Cardinals or going to see a Blues game." For a mere $10 there are scores of films to see, particularly at the Tivoli, which shows up to ten films a day during the Festival. "The Tivoli is really the best venue for what we're trying to do," Spath said in terms of the Tivoli’s commitment to showcasing significant art house films throughout the year. The Tivoli is just a few blocks from University City's Moonrise Hotel. The Moonrise serves as the host hotel for the Festival’s honored guests, like filmmakers, writers and actors and the end-offestival awards ceremony and party. The St. Louis International Film Festival has been showcasing St. Louis as a place for great film for the past 18 years, and with great films every day from November 12-22, this year was no different. Caitlin Zera Bear Facts Co-Editor-In-Chief BEAR
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MUSIC & ARTS
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The Next Big Thing: Justin Beiber just started singing but was With four singles on iTunes able to beat the competition top 100 songs chart and with his outstanding voice. three singles on the Bill“Other people in the competiboard Hot 100 chart, fiftion had been taking singing teen-year old Justin Beiber lessons and had vocal coaches. is expected to be the next I wasn’t taking it too seriously big thing. “I see him being the next Jesse McCartney,” at the time. I would just sing around the house. I was only said senior Jessica Walsh. twelve, and I got second The talented teenager from place,” Justin told Island ReCanada is a self-taught musician who can play the cords. Then he uploaded homemade videos of himself guitar, drums, piano and covering songs by artists like trumpet as if having an Justin attends the Island Def Jam amazing voice wasn’t Spring Collection party on May Ne-Yo and Usher on YouTube in 2007. His videos had over enough! Not only is he 20, 2009. (Copyright: Photo by Wargo/ Getty images for ten million views, earning him talented, but he’s cute! Theo Island Def Jam) popularity and exposure to “He’s absolutely adorthose important in the music business. able!” juniors Stacy Richard and Colleen After watching Justin sing his heart out Wilson agreed. The fact that Justin sings on YouTube, R&B superstar Usher realabout puppy love is probably another ized this boy had potential. Grammycute factor. “The way he talks about love award-winning record producer L.A. and how to treat a girl is so cute! I think Reid agreed. Justin signed to Island Rehe’s so cute!” said sophomore Ashley cords in 2008, the same record label Connor. Mariah Carey and Fall Out Boy are The young man’s road to fame signed with. started at age twelve when he won secJustin’s singles “One Time,” ond place in a local singing competition, “One Less Lonely Girl,” “Favorite Girl” Stratford Idol, in his hometown of Stratand “Love Me” are all on iTunes top 100 ford, Ontario. At this time, Justin had
songs chart. All four of them have s pent some time in the top 10 with “One Time” spending the longest. All four except for “Favorite Girl” are currently holding spots on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. Justin and Usher, the R&B singer who led him to the This is no sur- road of fame. (Nickelodeon prise because Kids Choice Awards 2009. Justin’s songs Copyright: Jeff Kravitz) are both catchy and up-beat. When a fun melody is mixed with a talented voice, these songs are easy to love. With his exceptional talent, Justin has won over the hearts of millions and is expected to make a huge impact on the music world. Kimie Leach Bear Facts Staff Writer
Michael Jackson’s This is It Movie Review This is It, a documentary, features the unseen rehearsal footage for the world tour which never got to happen because of the King of Pop’s death. From the rehearsal footage it is easy to see how hard a worker and perfectionist Michael Jackson was. Image from At age 50, he was www.moviesonline.com still able to moonwalk smoothly, even after ten years of absence from the stage. Age didn’t impair his voice at all, and the man was still VOLUME
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able to sing with passion and hit all the notes necessary. At every rehearsal, Michael gave his all and directed all of his dancers and crew workers by saying, “Do it with love.” Although his dancers and singers showed up to rehearsal in pajamas and sweatpants, Michael always showed up in his sequin-covered pants and famous rhinestone leather jacket. He went beyond borders when he filmed movie scenes to show during his concert. A green screen was used to display backgrounds such as a jungle, a graveyard or a skyscraper behind him while performing. The stage was magical with aerialists dangling from chandeliers, flames bursting across the stage and the most talented dancers giving it their all whose
reason for dancing was Michael himself. One becomes emotional after watching all of the extreme work put into the tour that never got to happen. Walking out of the theater, one viewer made the comment, “He is an amazing performer, and I’m heartbroken that the tour never happened. All of that hard work for nothing.” Not only did this movie touch hearts, but it brought joy with the exciting music and dancing. “This movie makes me want to get up and dance!” said Junior Megan Cooper. This movie is a must-see for music lovers or anyone who wants to see for themselves how much work is put it into a tour. Kimie Leach Bear Facts Staff Writer BEAR
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Turkey Day Word Search: Can You Find Your Tradition? What’s Your Super Power? “I would like to see the future because then, if something bad was going to happen, I could change it.” -Lexi Eilers (Sophomore)
“I’d like to be able to fly. Then I could get to places a lot faster and see what’s it’s like up there. Maybe throw on a cape, too.” -Maggie Tayon (Junior) “ I’d like to have the power of healing to be able to relieve the pain and suffering of my fellow humans.” Ms. Herbst
“ I would have the ability to be invisible because then, if you get embarrassed, you could just disappear, and no one could see your red face.” Melissa Russo (Senior)
Writers Kimie Leach Brooke Messmer Cinnamon Mullens Marjorie Plurad Emily Price Kelli Riddle Ann Slesinski
Editorial Board Co-Editors-In-Chief Molly Sweeney Caitlin Zera
Copy Editors Ally Hill Sister Sue Anne Cole
Moderator Mr. Kevin Reid VOLUUME
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W E A G S W W G N A I X E U C F Y N S I K X I P J
D C K Y V R Y K U E E G R U X S O N A W N C P J H
C F H B F L C A V O O K M H Z B C Z E I O L M I O
H D U B Z L S L J E E N A F H R X V R R G N V J E
Z I E E Q N O D D Y Y X N S G O P O N M P N N O V
F X X E H B Z W L M U J I Z I H T U O K X K N U B
Z F P H O Q M G E R X W M L F A C N P V G B T N A
M O D E E R F K U R K P F B D O T W A Q Y P L Z F
O Q Q V J D Z B Y F P S E T P N R A J U F Y M Y L
P H J W X V V N F A N V H I Z I A Z O Y Q O I P P
H U Y I O J T T W M S K A A B K D O U E E S R Q G
C I P H A N H J K I D I U J K P I R N P I Q Y H Z
I M L O U L Q X O L B C N H Q M T H D O C W L Y B
M S W W P G V Q F Y Z C X N O U I D V B R F M R H
K C H H X E W J O Q W H K X I P O S P H H R M E W
P D S S S W Q R Q E H Q Y M Y M N V Q V U O Z N L
T G F G L I M V J Q E R E W K V D H I I P L K J A
G N I V I G S K N A H T Z D K O V F B N Y X T Q X
P B L S P K S S O U O G H Y R E G J W D P V M C X
P I L G R I M S S W U T W X P J G I Z H N B T V W
E J D Z D A G P W F W A R I J J G P Z J N N T M J
M U R H P Z M P L S Q L Z W T Q F F A E E B V F A
U D B C I F B V E J W K G T B I X Z G U B C F M J
T D W W O A T L M U E F O T G G X Y C K W A F G N
Farmville Accessories:
Bear Facts Staff Kailey Beckett Emily Boyer Amy Coyle Maggie Egglestston Claire Fadel Nicole Farmer Amber Grisham Sarah Haenchen
X M E C N N M Z B H Q C C J T J F Q E Z B O O U I
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FIND ‘EM CORNUCOPIA FAMILY FREEDOM MAYFLOWER PIE PILGRIMS PUMPKIN SQUANTO THANKSGIVING TRADITION TURKEY WISHBONE
Word Search by Nicole Farmer and Emily Price
The must haves for all Thanksgiving Day Farmvillers!
Happy Thanksgiving! BEAR
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Image from AllTheFestivals.com
BESTEST
Starting in Paris, France, Daft Punk has made their way around the world. Their music first gained popularity in France around the 1990s during the House or electronic dance music movement. It then spread and helped to add to the already excited dance music here in the U.S. The Daft Punk duo won two Grammy awards this year for their single “Harder Better Faster Stronger” and the album “Alive” from which it came. The award was for best dance recording and best electronic/dance album. But their success doesn't stop there. In the release of one of the coolest video games on the market, DJ Hero, Daft Punk provided eleven new singles. We should expect to see more great things from them to come.
Screenshot from www.djhero.com
Congratulations, Heidi and Spencer Pratt, you’re having the worstest month ever! Your appearance on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien was pretty embarrassing. Instead of applause, you got boos from the audience. You also got made fun of for writing a book on “How to be Famous” and calling yourselves “Speidi.” Maybe you guys should write a book on how to be a cheesetastic couple? VOLUME
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Congratulations, Lady Gaga, you’re having the bestest month ever! Your new album “The Fame Monster,” released on November 18, and the leading single on it, “Bad Romance,” have been #1 on iTunes Top 100 for weeks. You get extra points for going on tour without Kanye. You go, Gaga!
Editor: Kimie Leach Contributors: Ally Hill
BEAR
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